Masked Finch

DISTRIBUTION:

Moderately common in open woodland and grassland. Two subspecies; Poephila personata leucotis in Cape York Peninsula and Poephila personata personata in rest of range across north and north-west 

White-eared Masked Finch

Distribution Map

IDENTIFICATION.

LENGTH = 120 mm

MALE: Head and back pale brown; rump and upper tail-coverts white; tail black. Forehead, lores, front of face and chin black; breast and throat pink-brown; centre of belly and undertail-coverts white; black patch on lower flank. Eye brown; bill yellow; legs red-orange. In Cape York Peninsula subspecies, white-eared grass finchPoephila personata leucotis, ear-coverts and patches on lower flanks white.

FEMALE: Similar to male; black face mask smaller.

IMMATURES: As adults but duller; bill black; face mask partly grey.

NESTING. 

Breeds March-June. Nest flask-shaped, 110-160 mm long, 100-130 mm high and 110 mm wide. Bulky and globular chamber with short entrance tunnel. Constructed of dead grass stems and lined with plant fibre, feathers and sometimes fur; pieces of charcoal frequently found in nest chamber. Placed in bushed and trees or grass. Eggs: four to six; pure white; 17 X 12 mm.

 FORMS. 

There are two forms the Long-tailed Finch Poephila personata leucotis and the White-eared Long-tailed Finch Poephila personata personata.

AVIARY BREEDING.

NESTING TYPES: I have found that these birds will nest almost anywhere although they will usually prefer a nest box including parrot nest boxes rather than build a nest of their own. I have seen these birds build nests in tea tree branches and planted trees but very rarely. Best results have been from boxes 150 mm square X 125 mm high with a 40 mm access hole in the front and a small landing platform just below the entrance. (See the Plans page for more information) 

FEEDING: A general finch mix is ideal for this bird. Birds will also readily take seeding grasses and live food. However I have had seen these birds breed successfully with just a mixed seed diet. Egg and biscuit will also be taken readily. 

OTHER FEEDS: Cuttlebone and shell grit should be supplied at all times.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: There are no special requirements for this species. However care should be taken not to house this species with the Masked Finch or the Long-tailed Finch or any of the subspecies.

These are recommendations only and individual breeders may have different dimensions and specifications.